Comparison of Cognitive Functions among Bilinguals and Multilinguals.

Abstract

Background: Language is one of the most fundamental aspects of any society. It is how individuals communicate with one another, form relationships and foster a feeling of community. Language processing is one of the most common, yet complex, tasks we perform regularly. Being multilingual facilitates effective communication and such people are better problem solvers. The benefits of multilingualism extend beyond the capacity to communicate in another language and provide individuals with a broader perspective of the world. This study aims to assess the cognitive functions of bilinguals and multilinguals and to compare the cognitive functions among bilingual and multilingual individuals.

Materials and methods: Nearly 115 members were screened for anemia, thyroid abnormalities, diabetes mellitus and other electrolyte imbalances to select the study participants in the age group of 30-50 years. Strub black mental status test was used for reading and writing, and controlled word association test for fluency. Depending on these observations, participants were divided into monolinguals, bilinguals, trilinguals and multilinguals. Stroop test was used to assess the cognitive function.

Results: Mean scores and reaction time for color-to-word tests among monolingual and multilingual were 7.7±1.99, 21.65±3.68 and 9.9±0.29, 16.44±1.81, respectively. Mean scores and reaction time for word-to-color tests among monolinguals and multilinguals were and 7.65±1.12, 23.61±3.69 and 9.7±0.696, 13.80±3.14, respectively.

Conclusion: Inculcating multiple languages at a younger age might enhance cognitive skills and overall effectiveness.